Can they get any more desperate ?

Can they get any more desperate ? - Printable Version

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Can they get any more desperate ? - Savage GT - 25th-Apr-23

I have refused any attempt to install any sort of smart utility meter in anywhere I live.
There has been a campaign by my gas/electricity supplier to fit smart meters, to which I have not responded or turned down.
I just received an email, which appears to be genuinely from my supplier quoting verbatim:

We’re getting in touch to let you know that your electricity meter is going to be impacted by the planned BBC RTS switch off (we’ll explain this below) on 31/03/2024, meaning that it’s time for it to be replaced.

Please book your free appointment today. We need to get your meter replaced before the service is disconnected.
You can book your free smart meter appointment by clicking on the link below. We really need to get you booked in, so please follow the link to arrange your slot. If you need assistance, you can respond to us via this email and a member of our team will be more than happy to help.

What does this mean?

On 31/03/2024, the BBC has planned to turn off its RTS (Radio Teleswitch Service). Industry data shows that you have a meter that uses RTS to help manage your heating and hot water turn on and off, meaning that you may lose access to these services if your meter is not replaced before the deadline.
Although it may seem far away, we recommend booking your appointment sooner rather than later to avoid being impacted.
Should I be concerned?
No. At this stage, you still have time to comfortably book and receive an appointment within the next 6 weeks. It’s prudent to get this work done well in advance of the of the RTS coming to an end to avoid any risk of being impacted.
Having your meter exchanged is also a fantastic opportunity to modernise and future-proof your in-home metering system, which also goes a long way towards helping the UK achieve net zero.
So what do I need to do?
There’s never been a better time to upgrade to smart meters, and the great news is we have engineers available in your area to get them installed. You can book your free meter exchange – it takes just a few minutes.

As my heating and hot water is controlled by a timer, this fishy sounding excuse holds no water for me !
I think the last paragraph is the real reason:

Why are you sending me other emails about smart meters?

We’re required by the Government to install a certain number of smart meters, and so we email all of our customers offering the chance to upgrade. In this case, your meter being impacted by the RTS switch off is the most important thing, hence us needing to get you booked in as soon as possible.

My first thought was Its a bit late for an April fools prank ! Bigsmile

I had not heard of it before, But It turns out this RTS is a thing.

But, I'll be beggared if I will let them use it as an excuse to fit a smart meter Tease

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Kevan - 25th-Apr-23

Obviously aimed at the gullible masses for which they won't be short of enthusiasts Rofl

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - CMOTD - 25th-Apr-23

I got the same email from EDF. They are getting desperate indeed, I now get two emails a week urging me to let them fit a smart meter. I ignore them all. Now if they were to offer an incentive like 10% off the bill I might be interested, in the meantime I am perfectly capable of reading my own meter thank you.

They seem to have got rid of their meter readers as well, mine hasn't been read by an employee for nearly 5 years and I could be sending fake low readings for all they know.

You could possibly be affected if you actually have an RTS meter but there aren't that many about. Just have a look at yours and see if there is one of these in your meter box:
[attachment=29935]

If not then the email can safely be ignored.

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Savage GT - 25th-Apr-23

I actually do have a RT box, but still will be ignoring emails. If they call I'll agree to meter swap only if its a non smart meter Talking

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Anthony B - 25th-Apr-23

The main issue for me is that they can automatically switch off your supply with the new smart meters. I think this is the real reason for the insistance.

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - KensRedZed - 25th-Apr-23

Ford wants to be the first with autonomous cars that can automatically repossess themselves and drive back to the dealership if you skip a payment.

Who's to say nothing will go wrong with the system even after the car is fully paid off? Hackers will eventually find a way to mess with this technology.

The future of mass corporate control doesn't look very bright. It's scary.

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Kevan - 25th-Apr-23

Next thing they'll be programming in is automatically recycle themselves forcing you to buy another...

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - DPJ - 26th-Apr-23

Guys, and gals ;)

HP has been doing this since the 1980's with their printer ink cartridges and monitoring systems.
Apple caught on pretty quick with their planned obsolescence.

Resistance is futile. Doesn't matter where on the planet you live, it's coming. Change, is coming!

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Scuderia_Turini - 26th-Apr-23

I have resisted so far but its only a matter of time until "they" start to declare that the old mechanical meters are no longer viable on the basis of poor accuracy or simply worn out if older than X years.

RE: Can they get any more desperate ? - Henk - 26th-Apr-23

We have a smart meter, it is needed if you have solar panels. I installed a small device that gives me live usage in an app.
That gives me a chance to check to bills from my energy company and I can use it to detect what devices use a lot of power.

It’s not all bad Cool